Catalans Dragons won it late against the reigning Super League champions.
Joel Tomkins’ Catalans Dragons picked up their third win of the season with a 26-20 result against Hull KR.
Joel Tomkins admits his side’s last-minute victory over Hull KR is “one of the best performances” he has been involved in as either a coach or a player.
The former England back-rower took charge of the Dragons on a permanent basis midway through last season, succeeding Steve McNamara.
He has now overseen 23 games as head coach – recording 10 wins across all competitions – alongside a decorated playing career that includes more than 300 appearances for Wigan Warriors, Hull KR and Catalans, as well as a spell in rugby union.
After watching his side secure a dramatic 26-20 win over reigning champions Hull KR, Tomkins admitted it ranks among the best performances he has been part of, despite losing four players to injury during the round five fixture.
“That’s a special win for us,” he said.
“We were absolutely busted at the end of the game. We lost two of our middles to head injury assessments in the first half, then Matthieu Laguerre, and we lost Lewis Dodd.
“To keep turning up for each other the way the boys did was the most pleasing thing for me. It wasn’t perfect, but we did some special things with some special efforts.”
Willie Peters’ side mounted a late comeback. Tyrone May had opened the scoring in the first half against his former club, but Rovers found themselves 20-6 down on the hour mark.
Tries from Joe Burgess and Tom Amone, along with a penalty goal from Mikey Lewis, brought the scores level late on. However, Catalans had the final say, with teenage winger Lenny Marc crossing in the last minute to secure the two points.
Tomkins added: “At half-time, we only had three subs and a couple of middles who were going to play longer than they normally would. So we knew Hull KR were going to come at us. They’ve got all four trophies in the cabinet for a reason.
“We knew they were going to be difficult to handle in the second half, and they proved that. There were periods when we were scrambling, but that’s what wins games – that scramble and extra effort. It’s probably what we lacked for much of last season.”
Asked whether it was his best win as a head coach, Tomkins replied: “By far. It’s one of the best performances I’ve been involved in as a coach or as a player. When you know what’s going on behind the scenes – the players who are injured, those playing busted, and then a couple of lads ruled out during the game – it makes it even more special.”